Arizona Army Guard trains equal opportunity leaders

Photo By 1st Lt. Wes Parrell | Army Brig. Gen. William Hall, land component commander of the Arizona Army National Guard, fields questions from students of the Equal Opportunity Leader Course held at Papago Park Military Reservation June 25. Brig. Gen. Hall told students to ask themselves, “how can I help my commander accomplish the mission and ensure we develop and maintain a command climate that accepts and challenges soldiers and employees of all races." (National Guard photo by Spc. Wes Parrell)  

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES

06.25.2014

Story by Spc. Wes Parrell 

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

PHOENIX – Thirty members of the Arizona National Guard attended the U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute’s Equal Opportunity Leader Course held at Papago Park Military Reservation here June 23 - 28.

The EOL Course graduates are trained to assist commanders with equal opportunity programs at the unit level. Their responsibilities include recognition of detractors from a healthy unit EO climate using formal surveys, interviews and accessibility to the unit. They will also prepare and assist commanders in conducting EO training and serve as resources within their units.

“It is important for me that the Arizona Army National Guard looks like the community we serve,” said Army Brig. Gen. William Hall, land component commander for the Arizona Army National Guard. “It is important for the Soldiers and citizens of Arizona to see that no matter who you are, you can be successful in the Arizona National Guard.”

Sgt. 1st Class Tonya Fitzpatrick, the Arizona Army National Guard equal opportunity adviser, said this was the first class of its kind for the Arizona Army National Guard. “The goal of this program is to provide commanders with a resource to help educate and train members of their unit. It also provides Soldiers a direct contact for guidance to resources related to the EO program,” she said.

“Our Army has led the way with equal opportunity,” said Hall. “Over the last 27 years of my career, I have seen our evolution to developing Soldiers regardless of background, and I want the Arizona Army National Guard to continue this tradition.”

• Date Taken: 06.25.2014
• Date Posted: 06.27.2014 12:44
• Story ID: 134691
• Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US